Summer’s here and with the added sunshine and hot temperatures on the way, you have to be more mindful of watering your lawn to make sure it stays green and healthy this season.

Every homeowner knows the importance of watering their lawn, but fewer understand the intricacies of lawn watering. Taking into account the best time of the day to water and how much water is needed will go a long way to make sure your grass is always looking it best.

What is the best time of the day to water?

“The early bird gets the warm,” goes the well-known English idiom and that’s true as well for watering.

The early morning hours, before 10 a.m. when the weather is still cool, the lawn is wet from dew, and there’s less wind is the ideal time as the water can soak into the soil and the grass roots absorb the moisture before it evaporates. There’s also less wind and it gives the grass blades enough time to dry before the sun sets.

The middle of the day is too hot and leads to water evaporation, meaning that you’ll simply be wasting your effort and water. Some might think the evening hours are best, but leaving the grass wet during the night increases the chance of diseases developing on your lawn.

However, when the summer season reaches its apex and temperatures don’t fall below 68 degrees, you can water in the early evening, as this will be the cooler part of the day and you won’t need as much water, since it won’t evaporate.

How much water does your lawn need?

Your grass typically needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, but it also depends on the type of soil you have.

If it’s sandy, water will seep in easier, but it dries up quicker, so you’ll need to water more frequently.

If it’s clay or loamy, water has a harder time to seep in, but it holds water longer, so you won’t need to water as frequently.

Of course, summer is the season when your green areas need the most watering since it evaporates faster. Spring and fall require less watering, and very little or no watering may be needed during winter.

But try to not to over water, because this “drowns” your gas and leads to disease.

An irrigation system means more money in your pocket

You can simplify the watering process—and save money along the way—with a water sprinkler system that is suited for your lawn.

Many may think watering by hand is the best option and the least expensive. It may seem you’re getting ample water everywhere and you’re covering every spot. Hand watering may work in small patches of turf, but with larger areas, the best method is actually with an irrigation system and sprinklers that mimic slow, soaking rain.

You also have to remember that no lawn is created equal. You have to consider not only size and shape, but also the type of soil, season and weather.

Quench Irrigation can design an irrigation system that fits your needs, or repair, modify, and improve the one you have. Our technicians will inspect your site and work with you on the best options to make sure your lawn looks its best.

We also provide  HYPERLINK “https://www.quenchirrigation.com/installation/seasonal/” maintenance and make sure water flows evenly to every spot of grass.

Summer maintenance includes checking and adjusting sprinkler heads for optimal coverage, checking to make sure the rain sensor is operating properly and re-programming the irrigation system controller according to the season.

Many people think a sprinkler system and garden care will lead to higher water bills, but the reality is the opposite.

A system that properly fits your needs makes watering more efficiently and reduces water use. They are set to provide enough water for every part of your lawn, at the best time of the day depending on the season, and stopping watering when it’s about to rain or recently after a downpour if they’re equipped with a rain sensor.    

The system will do this constantly on its own, whether you’re on vacation enjoying the summer time with your family or sleeping late on a weekend after a busy work week. No more dragging hoses around, spending precious time watering instead of doing more worthwhile endeavors.

Our technicians can also recommend the most efficient type of sprinkler heads for your lawn (oscillating, stationary, revolving) to ensure irrigation covers the entire green area, or to target any specific spot that needs it most. The water will flow deep into your lawn, allowing the grass to develop strong, deep roots so they retain more moisture.

An irrigation system also saves you money because there are two charges in your monthly water bill. One is the actual water used and measured by a meter; the other is a sewer fee. Many municipalities allow a meter to be installed with an irrigation system, since the water is going directly to the lawn. That will deduct irrigation water from the sewer costs, allowing you to keep more money in your pocket.

The idea of watering a lawn may seem like a no-brainer, but in reality, there are multiple mistakes you can make and still not have the best looking lawn. An irrigation system not only helps you avoid those errors, but simplifies this and ensures your green areas stay vibrant, no matter what season it is.